Medicaid in Dallas

Medicaid plays a big role in the lives of many seniors. More than half of the state’s nursing home patients are covered by Medicaid, and many other older Texans rely on Medicaid to help pay for in-home care, adult day programs, transportation to and from medical appointments, and hospice services. If you qualify for Medicaid now or think you may qualify later on, it’s a good idea to know where to find Medicaid resources in Dallas.

Who qualifies for Medicaid in Texas?

Texas’ Medicaid program for seniors is open to applicants age 65 and over, or any adults with a disability expected to last more than a year, who need at least 30 days of continuous care, don’t have much cash and don’t own expensive assets. (Your home and car don’t factor into your eligibility.)

Where can you get help with your Medicaid application or claims?

The easiest way to apply is to create an account with the YourTexasBenefits.com portal and complete an application online.

If you have trouble with the online application, there are 3 state Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) benefits offices in the city of Dallas that offer help with Medicaid programs for seniors. You’ll find them at

5455 Blair Road; (214) 750-4619

1111 W Ledbetter, Suite 400; (214) 372-6370

1545 W Mockingbird; (214) 638-7575

HHSC benefits offices are located in Denton and Mesquite, and also provides seniors with Medicaid help. Community partner organizations around town have computers you can use to access your benefits online, along with staffers and volunteers who can help you. Among these groups are the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas, the North Texas Food Bank, the Food and Nutrition Community Alliance, the Dallas Housing Authority, and the Community Council of Greater Dallas.

You can find the office closest to you by entering your zip code in the YourTexasBenefits office locator. You can also call 211, 711 (for speech or hearing disabled callers) or 877-541-7905 to talk to an HHSC representative.

What does Texas Medicaid for seniors cover?

Seniors in the program get standard Medicaid coverage for doctor, hospital, and dentist visits; prescription medications; and x-rays and lab work. They may also be eligible for adult-day services, in-home caregiving, long-term residential care, and hospice care coverage.

These long-term care benefits are overseen by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and provided by Medicaid-certified care nursing homes, home-care services, and assisted living facilities. DADS keeps a list of nursing homes that accept Medicaid, but the easiest and fastest method is to ask the providers you talk to whether they accept Medicaid.

Getting to and from medical appointments

Dallas-area seniors on Medicaid can get rides to and from their medical appointments by calling the local Medical Transportation Program office toll-free at 1-855-687-3255 to reserve a ride a few days in advance.

You can also call for information on the state’s Individual Travel Participant program. It pays back a driver you hire to drive you to and from appointments. The driver must apply and have a current license, inspection and registration, and automotive insurance, and each trip has to be pre-approved to qualify for reimbursement. The Dallas MTP may also be able to pay you back if you can drive yourself to the doctor or pharmacy but can’t afford fuel for the trip. Call the office for details on the fuel reimbursement program.

Learn more about Financial Assistance for Dallas Seniors:

• Dallas Veterans Benefits
• Medicare in Dallas
• Social Security for Dallas Seniors
• Top Dallas Senior Discounts
• Dallas Family Caregiver Benefits

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